February 22, 2009

When Taylor & I met, things happened so fast. We would either talk on the phone or hang out somewhere every single day. Our first "official date" ended up being a Valentine's dance.

We've never been ones to make a big thing about it, but after 14 years, I thought I'd shake it up a bit and offer to go fishing with him. No coaxing needed.

Ahhh, how romantic! Floyd Lamb State Park. The mecca for lovers everywhere. This was my first time going fishing with Taylor, so he was SO excited. He even compared this event to our honeymoon. Funny, I couldn't quite make that comparison myself.

I had to have Taylor cast out my line each time because my fingers were numb from the cold. Each time I felt a fish tapping my line, I was supposed to tell Taylor and he would come over to help me. Finally, I started to feel a fish tap and tap at my line, so I decided to try to get this sucker in myself. Taylor was in complete amazement as I pulled in my monstrous catch.

It was actually pretty fun. Not saying that it's my new hobby, but I won't mind doing it again.

February 18, 2009

Usually Taylor works with our boys for the Scout Blue & Gold Banquet. This year Taylor didn't have much time, so I decided to help Noah out.

The theme this year was America ABC's. As we brainstormed, some crazy ideas came up. However, once someone mentioned the cheeseburger, we knew that was it. What's more American than the cheeseburger?

The lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and buns were made from marshmallow fondant. I've never tried to make fondant before, so I thought it was going to be a beast. It actually was less trouble that I thought. I highly suggest marshmallow fondant to anyone wanting to attempt to try fondant for the first time. Not only is it not very difficult to make, but it tastes better too.

The buns were made of yellow cake and the burger was chocolate cake. The sesame seeds were rice krispies, and we coated the burger with cookie crumbs to make it look more real.

Decorating the cake with "condiments".

The inside.

Noah with the finished cheeseburger cake.

His cake won "Judge's Favorite". When one of the leaders described which cake they chose, he said this particular cake "brought a tear too his eye". Definitely a man for you there. I had one kid ask me if the cake tasted like cheeseburger. Ewww!

I have to admit I really enjoyed myself. I'm actually a little excited for the birthdays we have coming up now that I've seen what can be done.

February 17, 2009

My brother Michael called the other day to see if we were doing anything. Amazingly, it was a rather calm day, so he decided to come over. We hung out for a bit then decided to head over to CiCi's Pizza. I had never been there before, but heard about it. I guess the closest thing I can relate it to is Pizza Inn (for those of you who grew up here in Vegas) on Tropicana. All-you-can-eat pizza, salad, and pasta. Definitely a haven for Mormon families.

There is a little arcade....and I mean little....so the kids also played a few games.

Air hockey has always been one of my favorites, but it's been forever since I've picked up a paddle. Since Jordan and I are super-competitive, we decided to play a game.....for bragging rights.

I was a little worried at first when it was 1 to 3, but I finally got my groove back and creamed him 7 to 4.

Michael also treated Ben to a few body stickers.

Two Care Bears on the boobs and Spongebob on the belly button.

Fantastic.

Noah wasn't with us at CiCi's, so Jordan thought it would be great to sneak a few stickers on his back while he was sleeping. I didn't think that would happen, but sure enough, at 5:30 the next morning Jordan woke us up to tell us he was able to get it done without waking him. What a sweet brother!

Thanks for the fun afternoon Michael. We loved hanging out with you!!!

February 3, 2009

Hailey drew a picture for The Friend magazine more than a year ago. The first page we would turn to when each new issue arrived was "Our Creative Friends", just to see if it had been printed. I know they get a lot of submissions, so I figured it would take a while, if at all.

Finally, in last November's issue, it was there!

I'm thinking that if any other kids do this again, I'll put their age as one year older than they are.....just in case.